Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Director of Institutional Advancement, Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf - Pittsburgh, PA

Posted: 1/31/12

POSITION PROFILE
                                                                                                                       
POSITION TITLE: Director of Institutional Advancement

REPORTING TO: Executive Director/CEO-The Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf

LOCATION: Pittsburgh, PA

THE COMPANY:

The Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (WPSD) is a non-profit school with high academic expectations. WPSD provides quality educational services and a complete extracurricular program to Deaf and hard-of-hearing children from birth through Grade 12. Serving over 320 students from more than 100 school districts and 30 counties, WPSD is the largest comprehensive center for deaf education in Pennsylvania. With its headquarters in Pittsburgh sitting on 20 beautiful acres, WPSD also has a satellite office in Camp Hill, PA, as well as, the Scranton School for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (SSDHHC).

Founded in 1869, the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf was the first day school for the deaf in the United States. The school received funds from a variety of foundations and friends, and a charter was obtained. Then a Board of Trustees was organized. The school continued to receive sporadic public funds until 1927, at which time a reimbursement plan for instruction was proposed and accepted by the Department of Education. Many changes occurred in the field of deaf education during the 1950’s, including the widespread use of preschool education and parent information. In the 1960’s WPSD was awarded state accreditation for its high school program. In the 1980’s several innovative projects were started, and with a new focus on the Total Communication approach, with Sign Language classes taught in the evenings.

Major changes occurred in the 1990’s with the arrival of technology on campus – state of the art technology became the focus of various projects. WPSD built a state of the art Learning Center, the auditorium was refurbished and a new television studio was built. A Math, Science and Technology Center was completed and remains one of the finest in the area.

Today Internet access, smart board technology and document cameras are an everyday part of the educational environment. The recently renovated Children’s Center contains all of the latest technology and classroom upgrades are in progress throughout the campus.

WPSD continues this tradition of excellence into the future.

SCOPE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

This newly created position is responsible for leading and progressively expanding the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf’s communications, marketing, and fund development. The DIA will supervise current development and marketing staff in WPSD’s Pittsburgh headquarters in an Institutional Advancement team, ensuring they have the necessary tools and training to succeed and taking confidence in their judgment and abilities. The DIA will also interface collaboratively with senior staff in Pittsburgh, as well as staff posted at the Scranton School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the growing Central Pennsylvania Outreach Office in Camp Hill. The DIA will also work closely, as required, with consultants who may be engaged from time to time by the Institution.

The DIA will be responsible for developing and implementing marketing and public relations strategies and activities and corporate sponsorships. He or she will team with the CEO, other senior staff, and board and committee members in developing the Three-Year Plan for Communications and Marketing. Duties related to marketing and communications include (but are not limited to) creating and implementing marketing and communications strategy, writing and executing advertising plans, producing and overseeing development of marketing and public relations materials, educating state officials of WPSD’s goals, and maintaining relationships with key media representatives.

The DIA will be responsible for overseeing fund development activities including annual giving, endowment, major gifts, foundation solicitations, special events, and planned giving. Working collaboratively with key staff, and with the input of the Fund Development Consultant, the DIA will develop and implement a plan for a robust, comprehensive, and growing fund development program. The DIA should develop positive, collaborative relationships with staff, volunteers, and community leaders at WPSD site locations so that the headquarters is positioned to optimize all major site-related fundraising work. Duties related to fundraising include (but are not limited to) implementing fundraising strategy that cultivates existing and prospective donors, maintaining relationships with major donors, and ensuring fundraising goals are met in both short- and long-term plans. Additionally, the DIA will handle general financial planning and management. Related duties include development of annual income and expense budgets, approval of staff expenses, and tracking donor income and earner revenue.

The DIA will be responsible for developing and maintaining active and productive relationships with WPSD’s top management staff; committee members; donors; board members; grant makers; and representatives of print, radio, and television media throughout the State. The DIA will also need to establish and maintain and maintain a positive, collaborative working relationship with the Chief Executive Officer, Trustees, and Development Committee members to ensure the most effective use of talents, resources, and ideas, and to instill sound communications and fundraising practices that are integrated throughout the organization. The DIA should also provide visible leadership and inspiration to all WPSD staff and volunteers who are directly or indirectly involved in fundraising and marketing for the statewide organization.

REQUIREMENTS:

• A level of knowledge equivalent to that ordinarily acquired through completion of a Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Relations, Marketing, or Nonprofit Management, or a Bachelor’s degree and equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated success and evidence of ability to plan and implement a comprehensive communications and marketing program.
• At least three years of progressively responsible institutional marketing and/or fundraising experience is preferred.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to write and speak persuasively about WPSD and the education of deaf children.
• Experience in marketing, development, operations, prospect research, proposal writing, budgeting, and presenting.
• Some background in fundraising, with emphasis on grant writing and donor solicitation and stewardship;
• Computer literacy with some knowledge of database management and fundraising software;
• FBI clearance, PA 151, and Act 34 clearances;
• The willingness to acquire sign language skills.
• Travel up to 30%. Most in Pennsylvania.

SALARY:

Commensurate with experience.

RELOCATION:

Reasonable relocation assistance may be considered.

EDUCATION:

The qualified candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree. MBA is desired, but not mandatory

TO APPLY: 

For further information, contact:

Jay Knowles President
Dragonswood Advisors, Inc
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Joseph.knowles@att.net
Phone (412) 258-2073

Please mention that you heard about this opportunity from Dewey & Kaye Jobs Watch in your cover letter when applying for this position.

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